Flamengo and Fluminense battle at the Maracana

Flamengo starts making up for the lost ground caused by the series of home games it had postponed due to the Rio de Janeiro Pan-American Games. The team just hopes the extra games will allow extra points, at least enough to guarantee the team a spot in next year's Serie A. Still in the relegation zone, Flamengo faces Fluminense on Thursday at the Maracana Stadium, desperately needing the points to leave the uncomfortable 19th position it currently occupies in the standings. For Fluminense, it's a chance to move closer to the top four in the standings, while at the same time making life miserable for its most traditional opponent.

During the week, coaches from both teams exchanged provocations, which just served to raise the interest on the match. Both Renato Gaucho and Joel Santana minimized the incidents, however, saying they're actually friends and just badly want to win the game. Renato will have the return of three players for the match. Defenders Thiago Siva and Roger, alongside midfielder Arouca, return suspension. Right-backs Carlinhos and Rafael are out injured, which will force Arouca to play in the position. Souza is out suspended for Flamengo's attack, while Obina is still not fully fit and will also sit out this game. Renato Augusto is also out. Argentine Maxi Biancucchi and Paulo Sergio will be the forwards in the derby.

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UPDATE: Flamengo won the match 1-0, thanks to Argentine Maxi Biancucchi's goal. That's two in a row for Flamengo, which begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel.